Whether a bankruptcy can wipe out debt owed to the government is one question that many people have when considering filing for a chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy. Whether a bankruptcy discharge will eliminate this type of debt depends on the specific nature of the debt owed to the government. One common form of government debt is tax debt. Tax debt is generally not dischargeable in bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy filings like Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are technically public record. The full case and associated documents are filed with the court. The case and associated filings are then accessible on the United States Bankruptcy Court’s website.

A garnishment is when someone, usually a creditor or someone you owe money to, goes into your bank account or paycheck to obtain money that you owe.

Tax debt is a major reason that people file for bankruptcy. Despite the fact that the State and Federal taxing authorities (i.e. the IRS and MN Department of Revenue) are often willing to offer payment plans to assist people with this type of debt, owing a large amount of taxes can create both a financial and emotional burden. This is especially true when one has other expenses, debts and bills with which to contend.

Bankruptcy can often provide a great deal of assistance for those dealing with lots of tax debt.

We cannot either. Recently, we heard of one Minnesota law firm that seems so hard up for money they actually take their clients clothing, along with furnishings and appliances, as collateral for their fees. We cannot imagine anything more distasteful than this. Bankruptcy lawyers are supposed to protect their clients assets not expose them to creditors, and especially themselves. Instead, the lawyer seizes an opportunity to take their clients property as collateral? Ridiculous. At LifeBack Law Firm we would never engage in this kind of chicanery to get paid.

A fundamental part of the bankruptcy process, is that the person(s) filing for bankruptcy relief must file schedules, statements and related documents, which are true, complete, and correct to the best of their knowledge, information and belief.

When disclosing the bankruptcy filer’s assets, it is important that all interests in property or assets (even if contingent) are disclosed. However, it is inevitable that from time to time, things may be overlooked or forgotten about.

Everyone knows the old adage, no good deed goes unpunished, and this is also true in bankruptcy. So, while it may be noble to help out a friend or family member, it can also complicate your bankruptcy. Expensive gifts, gifted while you are insolvent can be a point of contention in your bankruptcy, but what about other good deeds: lending money, co-signing on loans, or taking out loans for someone else?

During your bankruptcy case there are going to be moving parts. There will be at least one hearing you have to attend (typically only one), your date for discharge, and more.

The court can dismiss your case, upon request of the bankruptcy trustee, for good cause, including things like unreasonable delay by the debtor, failure by the debtor to timely file documents, failure by the debtor to pay fees, and failure to make payments in a chapter 13 plan.

Dismissal is typically granted when the debtor does not fulfil their obligations under the Bankruptcy Code to the harm of creditors. However, is it possible for the debtor to voluntarily dismiss their case on their own?

A common question I get from Minnesotans who are suffering from debt and considering filing for bankruptcy relief is: “how does the court know how much stuff I have and what it is worth?” The answer is very simple. We tell them.

Individuals looking for a fresh start seek a bankruptcy to get rid of their overwhelming debt. They may be able to file under a chapter 7 or chapter 13, or they may be eligible for just a chapter 13.

People move from state to state for several different reasons—taking a new job opportunity, attending school, following a loved one, or getting a fresh start are just a few—and when they move, they might leave behind family, friends, or belongings, but one thing that does not stay behind is their debt. Because this is true, it is very common for people who have just moved to a new place to inquire about their ability to file a bankruptcy to get a fresh start.

The prospect of having to file for bankruptcy can be daunting and intimidating, especially for someone who has never filed for bankruptcy, or maybe, has never even been in court before.

Most bankruptcy cases are very routine and are relatively simplistic in terms of the process. Often, the most challenging part of the process is preparing the initial petition and accompanying court paperwork to be filed with the court. For this reason, it is always advisable to consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney before filing for bankruptcy.

When you have filed and received a discharge in a prior chapter 7 or chapter 13, timing matters if you want to receive a discharge in a new case.

A lot of people who suffer with debt want to know how does bankruptcy affect my credit? There are all kinds of misconceptions about bankruptcy in the marketplace. I have had some people tell me they didn’t think they could get any credit after they filed a bankruptcy.

This is not true at all. Over the many decades, LifeBack Law Firm has helped literally tens of thousands of Minnesotans get their lives back and most of them go on to obtain credit. Most go on to purchase homes and vehicles and all sorts of other items.

People file for bankruptcy when their debt becomes too much to handle and they need financial relief. A common concern people have is how they should be spending their money and what debts they should be paying when they are contemplating filing for bankruptcy in the near future.